As part of our Countdown to Commencement series, we spent some time with a few soon-to-be graduates from our undergraduate and MBA programs to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and what they plan to do with their degrees after Spring 2018 Commencement.
Meet Sara Beagle. Sara is from Johns Creek, Georgia, and is finishing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. While at Scheller College, Sara interned at some incredible companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Siemens, and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. She is a huge fan of Shark Tank and has seen every episode twice! She served on Student Government’s Executive Cabinet as Vice President of Student Life, and as a Scheller College of Business Ambassador, she helped recruit the next round of Scheller College students.
Scheller College provides a strong technology base—encouraging students to think technically and take advantage of the amazing resources in the Tech Square ecosystem.
Where will you be working after graduation?
After graduation, I will be working as an Investment Banking Analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey here in Atlanta.
Who was your favorite professor?
Professor Karie Davis-Nozemack truly sees teaching as an opportunity to make a real impact on students’ lives. She takes the time to get to know students on a personal level and goes far beyond the typical call of duty. Over the course of my time at Scheller College, Professor Nozemack has invested a significant amount of time and energy into my personal growth, and I am incredibly grateful to have such an amazing role model and mentor to look up to as I graduate.
What was your favorite course, and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course was Professor Bill Todd’s Management in the Healthcare Sector. Prior to taking the course, I had heard countless praise about Professor Todd’s teaching style, and as soon as I set foot in the class I understood. Through case studies, guest lectures, and Professor Todd’s personal stories, the course provided eye-opening insights into the problems associated with today’s healthcare system. Students in the course represented a variety of majors across campus, which always led to interesting conversations and lengthy discussions surrounding questions that never had a “right” answer. The course was a great way to gain exposure to a new industry as well as learn from one of Scheller College’s best.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose the Scheller College of Business because I wanted to be a part of the phenomenal growth that the College has experienced over the past four years.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Scheller College is at a serious competitive advantage in the heart of Tech Square. Through the rising presence of startup incubators and innovation labs for Fortune 100 companies, the College has developed strong relationships with companies who seek innovative employees, which provides unparalleled opportunity for its students. By requiring students to take a computer science and information technology course as part of a foundational curriculum, Scheller provides a strong technology base—encouraging students to think technically and take advantage of the amazing resources in the Tech Square ecosystem.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Be 100% yourself. I know that sounds cliché, but I have been most impressed by the Scheller College community’s genuine passion for their work, not necessarily their laundry list of accomplishments. You don’t have to know that you want to be a consultant or start-up mogul on your college application. You should just know what you are interested in and what could potentially light your fire. If that changes two years from now, that is great.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
I think the biggest myth about Scheller College (and a lot of business schools as well) is that you must work in consulting or banking after graduation. Students who choose to attend Scheller College will learn quickly that there are a multitude of career opportunities to explore throughout your time at Tech. Though I am working in banking post-graduation, throughout the course of my college career I have also had the opportunity to work in marketing, operations, and corporate finance. This breadth of experience helps to differentiate my long-term career growth opportunities.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
1. Travel to space
2. Learn another language
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I would like my peers to remember me as someone who encouraged them to think outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of achieving.